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2013 toyota prius-c Model Overview

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Vehicle Overview

The Toyota Prius C was designed to be a less expensive Prius that’s better suited for the city and more fun to drive. The smaller Prius C is definitely cheaper than its standard Prius sibling, and its compact size makes navigating city streets easier, but the hybrid falls short on the engaging driving experience promised at launch.

The 2013 Toyota Prius C’s underpinnings are derived from the compact Toyota Yaris’ chassis, and as such the car gets a downsized Hybrid Synergy Drive system that uses the Yaris’ 1.5-liter I-4 mated to a CVT and electric motor. Combined output of the system is 99 hp, and the Prius C needed all of it to achieve the 10.6-second 0-60 mph result we got in testing. During our 2012 Car of the Year evaluation, we said, “There’s no fun to be had in this car, aside from monitoring the appreciably updated Toyota hybrid graphics package. Like a regular Prius, the compact and cheaper variant is boring to drive, but has extra interior noise.” We did enjoy that graphics package, however, particularly the Eco Savings display, which lets you input the fuel economy ratings of a competitor car (or any car you like) along with the price of gas and tells you how much money you’re saving driving a Prius C. That savings might be significant, as the 2013 Toyota Prius C is EPA-rated at 53/46 mpg city/highway.

We also liked the rest of the Prius C’s interior, which is more conventional compared to the standard Prius. The small dash-mounted shifter is replaced with a traditional center console gear selector, though the gauge cluster is still located in the center of the dashboard for all passengers to enjoy. A multi-function 3.5-inch TFT display is standard, as is Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Toyota’s Entune infotainment and navigation system is available.

The Toyota Prius C was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, and was awarded a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

Key Competitors

Sum Up

2013 Toyota Prius c Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$19,080

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$13,975

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#14V053000 - HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Units Affected

698457

Recall ID#14V053000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: SOFTWARE

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.